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What is PRK? (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a surgical procedure to correct low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

PRK differs from LASIK in that no flap is created before applying the laser. The surface cells of the cornea (epithelium) are removed prior to the laser reshaping the cornea. A "band-aid" contact lens is placed on the eye after the procedure to protect it as the epithelium replaces itself. There is more discomfort with PRK due to the longer healing time. During this healing time, the vision is blurry and gradually clears up over the next few weeks. Because of this, sometimes one eye is done at a time to allow good vision to return before doing the other eye.

What is LASEK? (Laser Assisted Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a variation of PRK to correct low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The eye is covered with a diluted alcohol solution that loosens the edges of the epithelium (surface cells of the cornea). The epithelial flap is gently folded back out of the way. The excimer laser then sculpts the corneal tissue undemeath. The use of the epithelial flap may reduce haze postoperatively and improve healing time. As with PRK, it takes several weeks for the vision to improve.